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Ruth

Her Character: Capable of both strong and enduring love, she was a faithful mother and wife. Manipulated by her father, she became jealous of her sister, with whom, it seems, she never reconciled.

Key Scriptures: Genesis 29-35; Ruth 4:11

Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the youngest was Rachel.

Leah is described as having weak eyes, but Rachel was very beautiful and well favored. (Genesis 29-17 NIV)

Jacob was in love with Rachel, Leah’s younger sister

Laban [the father] was deceptive by giving Leah to Jacob to marry instead of Rachel whom he was in love with. Genesis 29:16-30

Genesis 29:22-23 So Laban brought together all the people of the place and gave a feast. But when evening came, he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and Jacob made love to her (Leah).

Jacob worked Seven year with the intent on marrying Leah’s younger sister.

Laban replied, “It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one.27 Finish this daughter’s bridal week; then we will give you the younger one also, in return for another seven years of work.”Genesis 29:26-27

Jacob made love to Rachel also, and his love for Rachel was greater than his love for Leah. And he worked for Laban another seven years. Genesis 29:30 NIV

Jacob Married Leah and her sister

Leah was not loved by Jacob

And when the LORD saw that Leah [was] hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel [was] barren. And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said,Surely the LORD had looked upon my affliction, now therefor my husband (Jacob) will love me. 33And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard thatI [was] hated, he hath therefore given me this [son] also: and she called his name Simeon. 34And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi. Genesis 29:32

Leah gave birth to her first son, believing that Jacob would love her.

Leah had three sons that were fathered by Jacob

Leah and her sister together were known for building up the family of Israel.

Ruth 4:11 Then the elders and all the people at the gate said, “We are witnesses. May the LORD make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel. May you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem.

Ruth is our next study from the series Women of the Bible, 52 Bible Studies for Individuals and Goups by Jean E Syswerda. The study of Ruth is found on page 79. The Bible Study will meet 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. For complete information call Glenda at 727-542-4683.

Announcement: The Tenth Anniversary Celebration & Pot Luck will be held with our Saturday Bible Study, September 26, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. Please contact Glenda for information at 727-542-4683.

Naomi suffers a threefold tragedy – the death of not only her husband but her 2 sons as well leaving her with 2 young daughter-in-laws who are childless and can not support her. This tragedy creates a childless widow (Naomi) too old to remarry, worthless and empty. (2, page 75; 3, page 22)

After learning that the Lord had come to the aid of his people, Naomi and her daughters in-law prepared to return to Bethlehem. (Ruth 1:6)

Naomi in asking both daughters-in-law to return to their own homes believed she had nothing to offer them. (Ruth1:11 & footnote)

Naomi express her sorrow and seems resigned to what she attributes as the will of God. (Ruth 1:13)

Upon her return to Bethlehem, Naomi urged she be called “Mara” which means bitter. She has been brought home empty, bitter and filled with misfortune. (Ruth 1:20, 21 & footnote)

Naomi’s transformation was about to begin as her arrival in Bethlehem was also the beginning of the barley harvest. (Ruth 1:22 & NIV Introduction to Ruth)

At the conclusion of the book, Naomi was blessed by God bringing her from emptiness to fullness through the love of Ruth and Boaz. She adopts their son Obed as her own. (Ruth 4:16 & footnote)

The Baby Obed is Naomi’s go’el (kinsman-redeemer) and through him she will have descendants. (Ruth 4:14, 3, page 50)

Naomi is our next study from the series Women of the Bible, 52 Bible Studies for Individuals and Goups by Jean E Syswerda. The study of Naomi is found on page 75. The Bible Study will meet 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. For complete information call Glenda at 727-542-4683.

Leah the our next study in the series from Women of the Bible, 52 Bible Studies for Individuals and Groups by Jean E Syswerda. The study of Leah is found on page 37. The Bible Study will meet 4:00p.m. to 6:00 p.m. For complete information contact Glenda at 727-542-4683.

Lesson covering pages 9 to 20, continues with important historical information on The Judges, The Monarchy and Ruth the Moabitess pages 11 to 13 of the guide book. These three headings offer excellent information to give you a grasp of the time period and how the Israelites were governed. The book suggest you skim the story, and make some initial conclusions as you answer questions 1-6 on pages 13 – 17. Remember these conclusions are the result of quick reading and initial thought. The story will be covered in more detail in later lessons.

Finally, don’t forget the study skills highlighted in gray. The Study Skills will give you insight on the subject and important aspects of the Bible Study. They also will guide you in the expected areas of discussion which the group leader will follow. As always, if you have questions, send them to Homewordsministry@gmail.com.